Match Page 2017-18 - Match Data WP: 140

Match Page 2017-18 - Timeline WP:139

Match Page 2017-18 - Timeline WP:139

Match Page 2017-18 - Match Data WP: 140

Burke on target for Munster

Last year it was Ronan O’Gara who secured the points – but this time round it was an early Paul Burke penalty that sealed the win

The game was a fierce forward battle from the off and with Munster taking the upper hand Burke was able to slot the only score from 25 metres after only nine minutes.

The Munster number 10 was the game’s leading light throughout, digging out field position however several chances to score the games first try were squandered before the break.

Burke’s opposite number Paul Warwick had a lengthy chance to level the game on 51 minutes, but his 45-metre effort fell short of the posts as Connacht opened well.

Munster hooker Jerry Flannery’s subsequent yellow card looked to have handed a clear advantage to the home side but the visitors’ pack, containing six Irish internationals, were outstanding with lock Paul O’Connell claiming six lineout steals but the visitors were unable to turn their ample possession and territory into points throughout a tense second period.